Type 1 diabetes is a chronic condition that affects about 1.9 million people in America. Unfortunately, it is not just a disease that affects seniors, as children and adolescents can also be diagnosed with it. The condition occurs when the immune system attacks and destroys the cells in the pancreas that produce insulin, resulting in the complete lack of insulin production. Insulin is crucial for our bodies as it enables cells to absorb glucose from the blood.
Without a diagnosis, the kidneys try to eliminate the glucose in the blood, and that’s why a patient will experience frequent urination. Peeing too much leads to another symptom of type 1 diabetes – frequent thirst.
Other common signs of type 1 diabetes include:
- Unexplained weight loss
- Extreme hunger
- Blurred vision
- Fatigue
- General body weakness
- Feeling irritable
- Tingling and numbness of the feet
- Irritability
- Nausea and vomiting
If you notice any of the above symptoms, you must schedule a meeting with your doctor immediately because type 1 diabetes can be life-threatening if it’s not properly managed. Some long-term complications that may arise include:
- Depression and anxiety
- Eye damage
- Damage to nerves
- Kidney disease
- High risk of cardiovascular events such as heart attack and stroke
Fortunately, there have been significant advancements in insulin therapy and diabetes treatments, which means that the disease can be effectively managed with the right medical care. However, managing diabetes requires more than just taking insulin and medication. To effectively manage the disease, you must also make changes to your lifestyle, including regularly monitoring your blood sugar, making healthy food choices, exercising regularly, and managing your stress levels.
